Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6817, Judah Eldred, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
born
Eldred, Judah
S. 6817
corded
CONTENTS

144 of New York
Judah Elard
21 Herkimer in the State of N.Y. who was a Sergeant in the Com y . commanded by Captain, Curtis — of the B ty commanded by Col. Hinman — in the Com y . time for 8 Months, 7 days 15 " 23. " private
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 98 — Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 — day of May 1833 — and sent to Adam Markley. Herkimer N.Y.
arrears to the 14th of March 1833. $197.32 Semi-ant. allowance ending 14 Sep 1833. 49.33
$246.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by George Taylor Clerk, Book E. Vol. 4 Page 18

In the matter of the Application for a Pension of Judah Eldred. —
Under the act of Congress of June 7. 1832
23294
[Faint vertical text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
State of New York } County of Herkimer } ss.
On this Eleventh day of February 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County now sitting, Judah Eldred a resident of the Town of Winfield in the County of Herkimer and State of New York, aged Seventy eight years, who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That being a resident of the Town of Kent in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut he volunteered to serve in the month of April 1775 to serve for eight months in the Company commanded by Captain Eleazer Curtiss, whose Lieutenant was Jeremiah Swift. That the Regiment to which they belonged was commanded by Col. Benjamin Hinman, whose Lieut. Col. was one Elmer. That they marched from Kent aforesaid one day south to New Milford, where they received counter orders and marched back to Kent. From thence they were marched through Cornwall and Canaan, to Sheffield in Massachusetts, thence to Greenbush opposite to Albany in the State of New York, thence after remaining two or three days they were marched to Fort Edward, thence to Fort George and thence across Lake George to Fort Ticonderoga where they joined the Regiment in full under Col. Hinman as above stated. The Company to which he belonged were marched to the outlet of Lake George and were stationed there on Garrison duty until sometime in December 1775. That Philip Schuyler was their commanding General. That in December aforesaid he was dismissed having served the full term of eight months for which he volunteered. That in the month of June 1776 he again volunteered in the Company commanded by Captain Joseph Carter, whose Lieutenant was Eliezer Carter in the Regiment commanded by Col. Benjamin Hinman. He was marched from Kent to Norwalk in Connecticut thence they were transported by water to New York. Their Company was first stationed at the head of Queen's Street then at Hings Street near Fly market where they remained until the American troops left Long Island. That they left New York City the 15 th day of September and marched to Harlem heights, where they were employed in building redoubts and in fortifying the place. That

he was dismissed the last of September or the first of October having served in this tour about four months as a Corporal. That whilst in this service he saw General Washington, General Putnam & Colonel Lewis. That the Brigade to which he belonged was commanded for a time by Oliver M'Nobatt of Litchfield, Connecticut, and then by one Silliman who was before a Colonel of one of the Regiments.
That in the month of November (according to the best of his recollection) 1776. he again volunteered in the Company commanded by Capt. Campbell under whom he served for one month and was then transferred to the company of Captain Samuel Carter and marched to Fish Kill in New York. There they crossed the Hudson River to New Windsor thence down the said River one or two miles to a place about that point where they were employed in building barracks and fortifications under the superintendence of Governor George Clinton That he remained there under Captain Campbell one month and was then and General Clinton. That he remained in service on this tour about four months and was then dismissed having volunteered and served as a private soldier.
transferred to the company of Captain Samuel Carter
That in the month of April 1777. he again volunteered and went under the Command of one Lieutenant Bliss to Danbury in Connecticut at the time the British burnt the Town and Stores. The army were commanded by Governor Tryon. They regiment to which he belonged pursued the enemy under Col. M c Donell Swift pursued the enemy to their shipping at Canoe Creek between Fairfield and Norwalk; whilst on their way they were joined by General Wooster and attacked the enemy some ten or fifteen miles from Danbury where General Wooster after which they were made the command of Colonel M c Donell was mortally wounded. He served on this tour as a Serjeant about one week and was then dismissed.
That about the middle of September 1777 he again volunteered to March and oppose General Burgoyne. That he went from Saint Joseph's through Cornwall, Canada & Sheffield to Half Moon point (now Watford) where he crossed and went through to Stillwater where he joined the American Army under General Gates and was attached to the Company commanded by Capt. Bliss. That the company, being one of the volunteer Companies, was not regularly at incorporated in any particular Regiment. They served as occasion required under the command of  under Major Austin under Col. Buell, Col. Elnar and Col. Sheldon. That he was present during the Battle with General Burgoyne on the seventh of October and served on the left wing of the army, and on the eighth of October marched on to the plain in front of the enemy, works following the artillery which was taken from the enemy the day before. A constant discharge of arms was kept up during the day. He was there where General Burgoyne surrendered on or
under

about the seventeenth of October 1777 and that he served on this tour as a Sergeant some days over one month and was then dismissed.
That in the month of December 1777 he again volunteered in the Company commanded by Capt Peter Mills, that he marched from Trent aforesaid to Horse neck where they joined the Regiment of Colonel Mead, and were stationed at that place. They were frequently out on patrolling parties in West Chester County New York State to guard the Inhabitants. He served as a Sergeant on this tour, and was dismissed in the month of March 1778 having served three full months.
That in the month of May (as he thinks) 1779 he again entered the service in the Company of Capt. Joseph Carter in the Regiment of Col Samuel Canfield and was marched to Phillipsburgh in the County of West Chester and State of New York where they were stationed to guard the Inhabitants and to check the "Cow Boys" from plundering them. He served as a Sergeant on this tour more than a month and was then dismissed.
That in the year 1780 about the first of July he again volunteered as a Sergeant in the Company of Capt Joseph Carter, whose Lieutenant was one Capt of New Milford Conn. and one to New Milford Dickson was the Ensign. That they were marched to New Milford  the Regiment of Colonel Samuel Canfield to Danbury in Connecticut where he was informed that if he would enlist or engage to serve for three months he would receive a bounty of forty shillings. He enlisted for that time and was marched from there to Danbury, where he found the Regiment of Colonel Samuel Canfield, where his Regiment was stationed until his term of service expired. That Col. Sheldon's Regiment of Continental troops was then at the same time. That there were also two Regiments of Connecticut Troops stationed at Horse neck, one of which was commanded by Colonel Beebe, and the other by a Colonel whose this applicant knew by sight but does not now recollect his name. That when his term had expired they were dismissed by General Washington but he received no written discharge. He served three full months on this tour.
That he has no documentary evidence of his Revolutionary services, and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service, with the exception of Sylvester Finney, Samuel Haines, Benjamin Carter and Benjamin Sackett whose several affidavits are hereto annexed.
1. He was born in Palmworth in the State of Massachusetts on the 21 st day of June 1754.
2 He has a record of his age preserved in his Family Bible at his residence.

3. He resided in the Town of Kent County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut when he first entered the service, and continued a resident of the same place during the Revolutionary War and until the year 1823. (The Town of Kent was divided after the war and his residence was in that part of it since called Warren) In the year 1823 he removed to the Town of Winfield County of Herkshire and State of New York where he has continued since to reside, and now resides
4. That he was a volunteer in each of the periods of service above in this declaration mentioned, and served for himself each time.
5. During the several periods of service above specified this applicant served with troops, commanded by General Philip Schuyler, General Gates, General Arnold, General Hooster, General Putnam, Colonel Sheldon of the Continental line, Colonel Debea of the Connecticut troops, Colonel Lewis Brigadier General Oliver Wolcott Governor George Clinton and General James Clinton besides the several Colonels under whom he served and who are in his declaration mentioned.
6. He served in his first and third tour above mentioned as a private, in his second tour as a Corporal and in each of the other tours as a Sergeant. He never received a written discharge, and has now no paper showing his appointment as Corporal or Sergeant.
7. This applicant refers the Court to
who are well acquainted with this applicant and can testify as to his character for truth and veracity and as to their belief of his services as a Soldier of the Revolution. And this applicant in fact saith that on the several tours in this declaration mentioned he was actually from home in service, on the march, in battle, in garrison, in camp or on patrolling expeditions more than two full years.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in Open Court
Jeremiah T. Nelson Clerk

State of New York } Hoback County }
State of New York } Herkimer County } ss. Sylvester Gerry , of the Town of Herkimer, in the County of Herkimer and State of New York, being duly sworn saith that this deponent is now in his seventy fourth year of his age, or this deponent has always reckoned and calculated his age - That during the Revolutionary war this deponent resided in the Town of Kent in the County of Litchfield & State of Connecticut - That this deponent then was acquainted with Judah Eldred , who now resides in the Town of Winfield in the County of Herkimer aforesaid, and has been here acquainted with him ever since that time - That said Judah Eldred dur- -ing the Revolutionary war also resided in said Town of Kent - That this deponent and said Eldred , at various occasions during the Revolution, performed military duty for different terms in the militia of the States of Connecticut & New York - and the said Eldred also performed other military services during the Revolution, which this deponent knows at the time, but this deponent was not present during said services - That the details of both of said Class of services, according to the best present recollection of this Deponent was and is as follows - viz - In the latter part of the year 1776 and the early part of the year 1777. this deponent was enlisted and served in a company commanded by Capt. Samuel Carter , belonging to the New York State Militia - That said Company was raised for the purpose of building fortifications and constructing a Cherry  Cherry upon the Hudson River, and of constructing a Cherry  Cherry

to be duty in said River - That this deponent served in said Company about the space of three months, and said Oliver served a longer period, as he entered the Company some time after this deponent. That the said Oliver & this deponent were both discharged at the same time - That our service was performed in making & building fortifications at new Windsor in the County of Orange - and in building & sailing the open boat Champlain -  That in the latter part of the year 1777 this deponent was engaged in the Militia service of the State of Connecticut in a Company commanded by Capt. Peter Mills, in a Regiment commanded by Col. Mead , this deponent at this time served about three months as the general recollection of this deponent now is, and was discharged in the month of March or April 1778 - That said Oliver , also served in said Company with this deponent - Both were enlisted or detached & were discharged at the same time - This deponent well recollects that this service was performed during the fall & winter after the capture of Burgoyne -
That in the year 1779 this deponent served again with said Oliver in the Connecticut Militia, about the space of two months, in a Company commanded by Capt. Joseph Gaten , in a Regiment commanded by Col. Samuel  Campbell . - Said term of service was principally spent in the neighborhood of Fortichburg in the eastern part of the State of New York, it being then upon the line between the British and American Armies -

That this deponent, well recollects that it was reported and always believed in the neighborhood where said Eldred & this deponent resided, that said Eldred was at Saratoga amongst the Connecticut Militia, when the British Army under General Burgoyne was captured & this deponent has no doubt that said Eldred was on service at that time & place - This deponent, at that time was in the Militia Service upon the Hudson River at Paterick - This deponent cannot state the time length of time that said Eldred served at that place - As this deponent further saith that from the commencement of the Revolutionary War, until its close, this deponent & said Eldred were attached to the Connecticut Militia, and were both frequently called out - sometimes together & at other times, separately - That in addition to the services above particularly set out, this deponent has no doubt & knows that said Eldred was detached and served at various times, in all, at least two years - although this deponent cannot specify the particulars of such service - This deponent was during all of said time well acquainted with said Eldred - and whenever said Eldred was detached this deponent was acquainted with the circumstances
This deponent well recollects, that when the City of New York was captured by the British in the early part of the Revolution, the said Eldred was absent from home at it was said & always believed that he was in the Connecticut Militia, in the City of New York, with the Army that retreated from the City -
Sylvester J. Kinney
Sworn to Apr 2. 1832
Before me Michael Hoffman First Judge of Probate Court 60 New York

State of New York Herkimer County } ss. I, Julius C. Nelson, Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Michael Hoffman is true Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, that his name, signed to the within affidavit, is in his own proper hand writing & the Court of Common Pleas is a Court of record - In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Herkimer Sept. 3. 1882.
Julius C. Nelson Clerk
State of New York Herkimer County } ss: Matthew Keith of the Town of Winfield in said County being duly sworn says that he is well acquainted with Sylvester Kinney who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing affidavit and that he is a person of good character for truth and veracity, and that his statements are entitled to full credit. Subscribed and sworn to this 11 th day of February 1883 } Before me } Matthew Keith
John Mahon Judge of Herk Co. Pleas
State of New York Herkimer County } ss. I, John Mahon the Judge before whom the foregoing affidavit of Matthew Keith was taken do hereby certify that the said Matthew Keith is well known to me, and that his statements are entitled to full credit. Dated February 11 th 1883.
John Mahon Judge of Herk Co. Pleas
Witness my hand and seal this 11 th day of February 1883 Sylvester Kinney

do depose & say that for more than 60 years I have been well acquainted with Judah Eldred late of s d Warren now of Winfield Herkimer County & State of New York & know that in about the first of April 1775 s d Eldred enlisted, at s d Warren then a part of Kent in s d Litchfield County, into a Company of Con- necticut State Troops commanded by Capt Eleazar Curtiss, Lieuts Swift, & Noble & Ensign Rockwell & that he marched to Greenbush near Albany & went to where he remained a short time & from thence marched with his company to Fort George thence to Ticonderoga where he joined the Amer- ican Army, He then with said Company was put into the Regiment commanded by Col Benja- min Hinman, Lt. Col. Elmore & Major Welch He remained at Ticonderoga a short time & then with his Company was directed to march to the outlet of Lake George & was there station- ed for the purpose of keeping Garrison, forward- ing provisions, timber &c for the army above, He was stationed there for this purpose during the greater part of the campaign & until he was dismissed, which was about the first of Dec r 1775 after having served from about the 1 st of April till the 1 st of Dec r a period of eight months, I enlisted at the same time s d Eldred did, & for the same purpose & served with him in the same Company & Regiment thro' the whole of said eight months, & was at that time well acquainted with him & therefore I personally know that he served as above stated, and further saith not
Dated at Litchfield, Litchfield County Conn t this 29 th day of September A.D. 1892
About the middle of Sept 1777 s d Eldred volunteer- ed to march to the Northward to oppose Gen Bur- goyne & with others marched from s d Kent to

Stillwater N.Y. when he joined our army under the command of Gen. Gates, he then was put into a Company commanded by Capt Bliss, which had no other Company commissioned officers. The Company was not put into any particular regiment but was at one time commanded by one Regi- mental officer & at another time by another not being a part of the volunteers. He was out during the engagement with Gen. Burgoyne when he surrendered, soon after which he returned to St. Kent now Warren He served at this time a little more than one month. I volunteered with St. Eldred at this time & served through the whole time with him & personally know that he performed this last service. We were engaged during the battle with Gen. Burgoyne on the 7 th of Oct. I will re- member that we were directed to guard the artillery on the 8 th of Oct which had been taken from the British the day before. And further said not Dated at Litchfield, Conn. this 27 th day of October 1832.
Samuel Hawes
Litchfield County, Conn. ss Litchfield September 27 th A.D. 1832
Personally appeared Samuel Hawes a gentle- man to me well known, & who is entitled to credit; who subscribed the foregoing deposition in my presence & made solemn oath to the truth of the same
Before me Nathl P. Perry J.P. of Peace

I Frederick Wolcott, Clerk of the court within the county of Litchfield in the State of Connecticut, certify that Nathaniel T. Perry, by before whom the preceding affidavit of Samuel Haines appears to have been taken is a Justice of the Peace in said county, & has a right by law to administer Oaths &c - and that the signature to said affidavit which purports to be his is his hand writing. —
Witness my hand & the seal of said court at Litchfield in said county this 27 th day of September A.D. 1832. Frederick Wolcott, Clerk

We Benjamin Carter & Benjamin Sackett both of Warren Litchfield County & State of Connecticut & both of the age of 70 years being duly sworn do Depose & say that from our boyhood we have been acquainted with Judah Eldred formerly of Warren now of Milford, Hampshire County & State of New York, & knew that about the year 1776, J Eldred was called with the Militia Company to which he belonged (commanded by Capt Joseph Carter) to go to New York, & that he was gone, as was said, with the Company, & returned with the Company Company - but how long he was gone your Deponents can't remember - But it is our impression that he was the forpart of the Summer, & returned in the fall of the same year, - said town of Warren formerly belonged to the town of Kent in the Litchfield County - & further your Deponents saith not Dated at Warren this 29 th day of Sept r 1832
Benjamin Carter
Benjamin Sackett
Litchfield County ss Warren Sept r 29 th 1832. Personally appeared the above named Benjamin Carter & Benjamin Sackett, gentlemen known to me as Men of truth & veracity & who subscribed the above in my presence, & made solemn Oath to the truth of the same George Starr Justice of Peace

I Frederick Wolcott , Clerk of the County Court within the County of Litchfield in the State of Connecticut, certify that George Starr , Esq. before whom the within affidavit of Benjamin Canter and Benjamin Sackett appears to have been taken, read is, & for more than one year hath been, a Justice of the Peace for said County, & as such hath a right by law to adminis- -ter Oaths &c. and that the within signature which purports to be his is his genuine signature. —
In testimony whereof I have unto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court at Litchfield in said County this first day of October, A.D. 1832.
Frederick Wolcott , Clerk

We Nathan Brown residing in Winfield and Richard Bonfoy — residing in Winfield hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Judah Eldred who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy eight years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he now resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.  Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. in open Court Julius C. Nelson Clerk Richard Bonfoy
Certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states, And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that
who have respectively signed the preceding certificate are residents of the Town of in said County and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Julius C. Nelson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceed- ings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Judah Eldred for a pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this Eleventh day of February 1833. Julius C. Nelson Clerk
jumping the place of that

23294 Judah Eldres Herkimer county New York
Adam Harkley Herkimer New York.
M. B. and  not on the Rolls

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Judah Eldred, Herkimer co New York
   Period when the service was registered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Volunteer 1775 8 private Capt Curtis Col Hirmann Cornwall 78 tradition   Vol. 1776 4 corporal Capt Carter same Shippensburg Sitcheville Conn.   Vol. 1777 4 private Capt Campbell Col Bul Salisbury several witnesses prove most of the service of the applicant.   Vol. 1777 7 serjeant Capt Bliss Col Elmer Taking New York   Vol. 1777 1 serjeant Bliss Col Sheldon Burgoyne Fishkill   Vol. 1777 3 do Capt Carter same Belmont   Vol. 1777 1 do Capt Carter Col Gauford Albany   Vol. 1778 3 do same same White Plains   Vol. 1780 Horse neck  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d), with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposes and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
J. B. 2nd J. P.

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
274 November 13, 1924.
Mrs. George R. Hasbrouck, 632 W. Main St., Ravenna, OHIO.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.6817 , it appears that Judah Eldred was born in Falmouth, Massachusetts, June 21, 1754.
While a resident of Kent, Litchfield County, Connecticut, he served in the Connecticut Troops as follows:
From April 1775 for 8 months as a private in Captain Eleazer Curtiss' Company, Colonel Benjamin Hinman's Regiment.
From June 1776 for 4 months as Corporal in Captain Joseph Carter's Company, Colonel Benjamin Hinman's Regiment.
From November 1776 for 4 months as private in Captains Campbell and Samuel Carter's Companies.
From April 1777 for 1 week as Sergeant under Lieutenant Bliss and Colonel Heman Swift and was in an engagement near Danbury, Connecticut.
From September 1777 for more than 1 month as private in Captain Bliss' Company under Colonels Buel, Elmore and Sheldon and was at the battle of Saratoga and the surrender of Burgoyne.

From December 1777 for 3 months as Sergeant in Captain Peter Mills' Company, Colonel Mead's Regiment.
From May 1779 for more than 1 month as Sergeant in Captain Joseph Carter's Company, Colonel Samuel Canfield's Regiment.
From July 1780 for 3 months as Sergeant in Captain Joseph Carter's Company, Colonel Samuel Canfield's Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed February 11, 1833, while a resident of Winfield, Herkimer County, New York.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

GEO. R. HASBROUCK 632 W. MAIN STREET RAVENNA, OHIO
Oct 26 th 1924
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
My Dear Sir:
It has been suggested to me by Mr. Francis B. Culver, Registrar General of the S.A.R. that I write you asking for the military record, (pension record) etc., of Judah Eldred , corporal in Capt. Joseph Carter's company, Col. Benjamin Hinman's Reg. (Woodbury, Conn.) Revolutionary War, discharged Sept 30 1776

The man was my ancestor and I shall be thankful for any information you can give from government record,
Thanking you in advance,
I am,
Very truly
Geo R. Hasbrouck 632 W. Main St
Ravenna
Ohio,

Rev War
6814 INVALID.
1924, Nov. 13 - Hist. to Mrs. Iseo R. Hasbrouck. um.
File No. 6817
Judah Eldred Sergt Rev. War
Act: June 7 th 1932
Index: Vol. 185 , Page 112
[Arrangement of 1870.]